Youth Programs

WHat We Do

The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas’ robust youth programming helps equip the next generation of Native leaders and agriculturalists. Whether it is participating in our annual youth summit or attending cultural events on campus, IFAI works to foster connections between youth and encourage their love of agriculture and traditional food systems.

Leadership Summit

The Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit allows participants to dive deeper into their interests and develop real-world solutions, highlighted through a capstone project. Experiences during the week include touring Tribal agricultural operations, interfacing with other youth and industry professionals, participating in an Indigenous cooking demonstration, and more.

The 2026 Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit will occurr July 9– 17 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Applications are open to Native youth ages 18 – 24. All travel and lodging will be covered for those accepted.

Agricultural policy and production areas covered during Youth Summit include:
Agricultural Business and Finance
Land Stewardship and Conservation
Agricultural Law and Policy
Nutrition and Health
Animal Science

APPLY HERE: 2026 Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit Application.

Held annually since 2014, the Youth Summit brings participants from across Indian Country to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to spend a week creating lifelong memories and fostering professional and academic skills development. All travel and lodging expenses are covered for accepted applicants. You can see the students presenting their capstone projects in the video to the left. These projects are a culmination of a week of learning from industry experts. Watch the awesome ideas these students have come up with to take back to their communities!

Native Youth Summit Curriculum

Ag Law and Policy: CODE: 8LDMHA
Agribusiness: CODE: PB7RL4
Animal Science – Cattle and Bison: CODE: EYAYCC
Animal Science – Sheep and Goats: CODE: FFKJY7
Tribal Health and Nutrition: CODE: MNNWMM
Tribal Land Conservation and Stewardship: CODE: CM4DK6

Scholarships and Professional Development Resources

Intertribal Agriculture Council – Youth Advisory Council

Tribal Agriculture Fellowship CTE Application – March 2, 2026

FS Advisors Summer 2026 Tribal Internship – January 31, 2026

Native Explorers Program – February 1, 2026

Native Forward Scholarship Dashboard

College Horizons Summer Program – January 28, 2026

Akiptan – A Guide for Young Entrepreneurs

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) WaterCorps Program

Sustainable Land and Water Resources Research Experience for Undergraduates – February 9, 2026

Akiptan Youth Business Plan Contest – April 30, 2026

Okhichanye Scholarship – Akiptan – March 31, 2026

American Indian Education Fund – April 4, 2026

Food and Agriculture Opportunities

Watch this video to hear from the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s Carly Griffith Hotvedt on opportunities for Native Youth across Indian Country, including IFAI’s youth programs as well as goal setting, professional tips and more!

The Intertribal Agriculture Council’s Kelsey Scott, Latashia Redhouse, and Keir Johnson-Reyes also provide information on the importance of Native youth in food and agriculture, including IAC resources and other opportunities for Native youth to get involved and gain experience.